The base price grows by $610, but the Touring trim is less expensive.

After introducing a new generation of the CX-9 for the 2016 model year, the company has a bevy of technological updates for the 2018 version. All drivers now get to enjoy blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and Smart City Brake Support, which is an automatic emergency braking system. The new models will be at dealers by the end of September.

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Mazda CX-9

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The CX-9 might be a little more exciting to drive because the company’s G-Vectoring Control is now a standard feature, too. This tech tweaks the engine mapping, steering inputs, and throttle settings to reduce engine torque while cornering. These adjustments shift the vehicle’s weight to the front wheels and reportedly provide a more direct feel from behind the wheel.

The base CX-9 Sport is available with a new Sport Package for $1,290 that adds quite a bit of tech. Ticking that box loads on features like automatic headlights with high-beam control, lane departure warning, lane-keep assist, radar adaptive cruise control, rain-sensing wipers, heated front seats, a power driver’s seat.

More Mazda CX-9 News:

As before the Touring trim includes amenities like leather seats and a power tailgate. The 2018 versions also receive a tilting driver’s seat and a power passenger seat with lift and lumbar support. The Touring’s Premium Package remains available, and for $1,890 it adds LED fog lights, navigation, a Bose 12-speaker stereo, parking sensors, and a sunroof.

The CX-9 Grand Touring model is an additional step up the range with features like adaptive lighting, aluminum trim, and a head-up display. New features for the 2018 model include heated second-row seats, a heated steering wheel, and windshield wiper de-icer.

Other than the added standard features from throughout the range, there are no upgrades for the range-topping CX-9 Signature. It continues to feature Auburn-colored Nappa leather, rosewood trim from Japanese guitar-maker Fujigen, LED lights in the grille, and LED interior lighting.

See the table below to see how prices changes between 2018 and 2017. These figures include the $940 destination charge.

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 receives numerous technology updates and refinements, starting at an MSRP[1] of $32,130

Mazda CX-9 is one of a handful of midsize, three-row crossover SUVs to earn a 2017 Insurance Institute for

Highway Safety “Top Safety Pick+” rating, along with every other Mazda tested by the IIHS when equipped with specific headlights and safety equipment

More than 55 percent of current-generation CX-9s sold in the U.S. have been highly optioned Grand Touring or Signature models

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 goes on sale nationwide this month

IRVINE, Calif. (September 5, 2017) – From its bold looks to the class-above experience it offers the driver and passengers, Mazda’s CX-9 has earned a reputation for excellence, being named a finalist for both North American Utility Vehicle of the Year and World Car of the Year.

Mazda engineers haven’t rested on their laurels, however, adding numerous upgrades to the 2018 CX-9 flagship crossover SUV, further strengthening the “Mazda Premium” indulgences it provides. Among the highlights are more features at every price point such as an improved second row for both greater comfort and easier third-row access and greater sound insulation in what is already one of the quietest vehicles in its class[2].

All 2018 CX-9 models receive Smart City Brake Support (SCBS) for the first time, a technology that can automatically apply the brakes in emergency situations below 19 mph. CX-9 joins the 2018 Mazda3 compact sedan and 5-door, 2018 CX-3 subcompact crossover SUV and 2017 CX-5 compact crossover SUV in having SCBS as standard. SCBS is a technology that comes as part of Mazda’s i-ACTIVSENSE suite of safety systems.

CX-9 is one of a handful of three-row crossover SUVs to earn a 2017 Insurance Institute for Highway Safety “Top Safety Pick+” recommendation, joining all Mazda models tested to earn the nonprofit’s highest award when equipped with proper headlights and specific technologies.

“Mazda CX-9 is designed to provide peace of mind through its i-ACTIVSENSE safety technology suite and its passive features like a strong, lightweight SKYACTIV-BODY. The secondary benefit to its structure is that also helps it deliver uncommonly good, surefooted driving dynamics,” said Tetsu Nakazawa, CX-9 vehicle line manager, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO). “Families trust us to build vehicles that not only surprise and delight with how they drive but also with the engineering excellence that goes into making them, showing that there’s no need to compromise between needs and wants in a seven-passenger people-hauler.”

CX-9’s engaging driving dynamics are a further hallmark of the Mazda brand, complemented by its industry-exclusive G-Vectoring Control (GVC), which is new to CX-9 models for 2018. GVC uses the engine in conjunction with steering and throttle inputs to minutely reduce engine torque, putting more weight on the front wheels and making the steering feel more linear and direct. As a result, the driver is able to gain more confidence and control behind the wheel.

For 2018, Mazda’s midsize family crossover SUV returns with Sport, Touring, Grand Touring and Signature trim levels, but it includes more equipment at each price point.

The mid-level CX-9 Touring adds leather seating surfaces, an auto-dimming rearview mirror with built-in Homelink garage door opener, power liftgate, Advanced Keyless Entry and an 8-inch MAZDA CONNECTTM screen. New Mazda CX-9 Touring features include the addition of a tilt function on the driver’s seat and power passenger seat with lift and lumbar support.

Finally, the top-of-the-line CX-9 Signature adorns the interior with Auburn-colored Nappa leather, rosewood trim supplied by premium Japanese guitar-maker Fujigen and LED signature grille and LED interior lighting.

It is with its upmarket KODO design, refinement, driving dynamics and technology that CX-9 has found a home with premium crossover SUV intenders, with more than 55 percent of those purchasing a CX-9 this year opting for a CX-9 Grand Touring or Signature model.

Yet, all CX-9s come standard with Mazda’s torque-rich, turbocharged and efficient SKYACTIV-G 2.5T engine, paired to a 6-speed SKYACTIV-DRIVE automatic transmission. Front-wheel is standard for CX-9 Sport, Touring and Grand Touring models. Mazda’s predictive i-ACTIV all-wheel drive is available on all three trim levels and standard for CX-9 Signature.

MSRP[3] FOR ALL MODELS IS AS FOLLOWS:

Front-Wheel Drive

i-ACTIV All-Wheel Drive

CX-9 Sport

$32,130

$33,930

· Sport Package

$1,290

$1,290

CX-9 Touring

$34,960

$36,760

· Touring Premium Package

$1,890

$1,890

CX-9 Grand Touring

$40,470

$42,270

CX-9 Signature

$44,315

PREMIUM PAINT COLORS:

Soul Red Crystal (New)

$595

Machine Gray Metallic

$300

Snowflake White Pearl Mica

$200

The 2018 Mazda CX-9 will arrive at dealerships nationwide this month.

Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States and Mexico through nearly 600 dealers. Operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at InsideMazda.MazdaUSA.com/Newsroom.

Follow MNAO’s social media channels through Twitter and Instagram at @MazdaUSA and Facebook at Facebook.com/Mazda

[1] MSRP does not include $940 for destination and handling ($985 in Alaska), taxes, title or additional fees. Dealers set actual sale prices.